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Madagascar President blocks ex-leader's return

Madagascar's new President has refused to allow ousted leader Marc Ravalomanana to return from exile, potentially derailing talks to end the island's political crisis.

Andry Rajoelina issued his edict a day after Mr Ravalomanana accused him of being in league with former colonial power France to enslave the Malagasy population.

Cross-party political talks, closely watched by foreign powers and investors in the Indian Ocean island's mineral and hydrocarbon sectors, are set to resume later on Wednesday (local time).

Allies of Mr Ravalomanana, who is in exile in South Africa, said they would boycott further negotiations if discussions did not begin paving the way for his return.

"The High Transitional Authority blocks the return of the former president, Marc Ravalomanana, to the country," Mr Rajoelina told reporters at the opening day of separate talks intended to heal deep divisions within the army.

"We will not sign any agreement allowing for his return."

Late on Tuesday, Mr Ravalomanana accused France of supporting Madagascar's coup leaders, whom he described as bandits.

He said France was out to enslave the people of Madagascar and was acting with only its vested interests at heart.

Mr Ravalomanana's allies have suggested French involvement in Mr Rajoelina's rise to power since the outset of the crisis, but this is the first time Mr Ravalomanana has pointed a finger.

Mr Ravalomanana gave up power in March under intense pressure from Mr Rajoelina's popular movement and dissident troops. The crisis has wrecked the $US390 million-a-year tourism sector.